Dozens of men banned from county's parks due to rampant sex acts

By Frank Maradiaga and WPEC-CBS12

Oct 05, 2017 | 7:00 AM

A few weeks ago dozens of men were caught on video performing explicit sex acts in Martin County parks as part of “Operation Mangrove.” Now, more than 25 of those charged will no longer be welcomed in any Martin County park.

More than 25 men who were caught on video performing "explicit sex acts in public," have been banned from all parks in Martin County, sheriff's officials say.

After receiving complaints about people openly having sex and naked men running along the boardwalk at Joe's River Park, 3500 NE Ocean Blvd., in Stuart, deputies set up hidden cameras, the sheriff's office said in a Facebook posting Wednesday.

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The surveillance resulted in the arrest of 44 people for performing lewd sexual acts in public, the sheriff's office said.

The enforcement effort was dubbed "Operation Mangrove."

Now, 26 people have been given trespass warnings and another two dozen are expected to get the warnings soon. The warnings mean they can be arrested if spotted in any Martin County public park, sheriff's officials said.

According to officials, hidden cameras will be placed in any park where complaints are received about sexual acts taking place.